Tradition and innovation in Lake Garda hospitality
Welcome to the first edition of Opportunity, Business and Lifestyle. By now you’ve guessed it: our idea is to offer tangible support to hoteliers, restaurant owners and all those who work in the hospitality industry in our beautiful region, in order to diversify and improve the range of services and experiences enjoyed by customers who buy a property or stay on Lake Garda.
As promised, we begin with an interview with Giovanni Lonardelli, president of the hoteliers’ association.
Hi Giovanni, can you tell us who you are? What do you do and what is your main role?
I am Giovanni Lonardelli, born and raised on the idyllic shores of Lake Garda, in a family that has been dedicated to hospitality for almost a hundred years. This tradition has passed on to me a deep passion for this corner of paradise and an unparalleled dedication to hospitality. After graduating in Business Administration and Management from the Bocconi University of Milan, I embarked on a professional journey that took me to different parts of the world, holding managerial positions in multinational tourism companies and gaining valuable experience.
Today, at the age of 31, I am back in the family business, the Glam Hospitality Group, where I put my heart and soul into every project as the fourth generation. Here, we try to combine tradition and innovation to offer unforgettable experiences to our guests.
Since December 2023, I have also been President of the Hoteliers’ Association of Bardolino and a member of the board of directors of Federalberghi Garda Veneto. In these roles, I work to create networks in our industry and to promote and highlight our beautiful area.
What do you do in your free time?
In my spare time, I love to dedicate myself to various outdoor activities such as playing golf, boating, and mountain biking. These passions are closely linked to my love for Lake Garda, a place that offers endless opportunities to practice sports and relax surrounded by nature. These experiences not only enrich my free time, but also allow me to create authentic sharing points with the guests of our hotels. I firmly believe that our task is to be true brand ambassadors, offering our guests recommendations and advice based on our personal experiences, so that they experience an unforgettable stay.
What does hotellerie mean to you today?
For me, hotellerie today is more than just hospitality: it is the creation of unique and customisedexperiences. In a world where tourism is evolving rapidly, we can no longer be satisfied with offering standardised services. Today’s guests seek authentic emotions, they want to be involved in stories that leave their mark and reflect the soul of the place they visit. Hotels must become storytellers, living spaces that convey culture, tradition and innovation. And they must have a soul, a well-defined personality that is reflected in every detail, from the choice of materials to the quality of the service, passing through the gastronomic offer and the activities proposed. Every element must contribute to creating a harmonious symphony that tells a unique and unrepeatable story.
I am convinced that the future of the hotel industry lies in the ability to transform each stay into an unforgettable tale. Only by doing so can we truly satisfy the desires of modern travellers and provide them with experiences that go beyond a simple overnight stay.
What is being innovated in the Garda hospitality industry? How are entrepreneurs meeting the new demands?
On Lake Garda, innovation in the hotellerie is taking various forms to attract a more demanding clientele and open up to new markets. First of all, we are investing in upgrading our facilities to raise the level and offer exclusive and personalised services. The aim is to create sophisticated and meticulously designed environments that offer unparalleled experiences. This includes not only excellent comfort and design, but also a focus on sustainability and authenticity.
To attract more demanding customers, it is essential to expand and diversify the range of activities and services on offer. We are developing experiential packages that allow you to explore the most hidden territory, exclusive food and wine tours, cultural events and everything that is customisable. We collaborate with Michelin star chefs, local artists and expert guides to offer unique experiences that highlight the excellence of our territory.
In addition, we are taking advantage of new technologies to improve the customer experience, from online booking with personalised services, to the use of apps to manage the stay, to the implementation of technologies and real Smart Rooms. Digitalisation is essential to reach an increasingly connected, trend-conscious but above all environmentally friendly international customer base.
Even renovations are adopting eco-friendly and sustainable solutions to meet the growing demand for responsible tourism.
It is great to see partnerships being formed with local companies to offer high quality products and services that reflect the authenticity of the area.